We always appreciate input from our readers at Barn Finds, whether it is via article feedback or referring classics for us to feature. Therefore, I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting this 1970 Plymouth Road Runner. If ever a car had the “wow’ factor, this is it. Adding to its appeal is the numbers-matching drivetrain that will maximize its future investment potential. The seller has listed the Road Runner here on Craigslist in Monroe, Georgia. They set their price at $79,500 but may consider offers.
Muscle car sales were flagging by 1970, and the Plymouth Road Runner didn’t escape that trend. From a high of 84,420 vehicles produced in 1969, that figure fell sharply to 43,404 in 1970. The situation would continue to deteriorate until Plymouth retired the Road Runner badge at the end of 1980. The history of our feature car is unclear, although its immaculate presentation suggests it has done little work since receiving what appears to be a thorough restoration. The beautiful Tor Red paint shows no evidence of issues, cloaking panels that are equally impressive. The seller provides a tantalizing glimpse of this classic’s underside that suggests it is rust-free. The stripes are crisp, while the chrome, glass, and Rally wheels are spotless.
Purists considering the future investment potential locked away in this Road Runner will welcome the news that it is numbers-matching. The combination of the 383ci V8, three-speed TorqueFlite transmission, and power-assisted steering and brakes should make driving a breeze. It feels strange to say that this was the least potent package available in 1970, but with 335hp, 425 ft/lbs of torque, and the ability to cover the ΒΌ-mile in 14.7 seconds, this Road Runner is a genuine muscle car deserving respect. There is no information supplied regarding the car’s mechanical health, but this YouTube video reveals a lot. Not only does it afford us a view of the underside, but we hear the engine start and run. It kicks into life easily and sounds as sweet as a nut.
The center console appears to be the only aftermarket addition to an interior that looks flawless. The Black trim with contrasting White inserts is free from wear and distress, with the same true of the carpet and headliner. The dash and pad are spotless, and the gauges feature clear lenses and crisp markings. The air conditioning and factory radio reveal that the first owner’s focus wasn’t totally on performance, while the Tick-Tock-Tach is one of the car’s more desirable options.
I have always admitted a leaning towards classics wearing the Blue Oval badge, but I have total respect for Mopar muscle. Pontiac may have been credited with creating the muscle car segment with the GTO, but Chrysler demonstrated with cars like the 1970 Plymouth Road Runner that it was willing to match or beat the “King” where the rubber meets the road. This may have been the least potent version offered in that model year, but its performance figures remain respectable fifty-four years after it rolled off the line. With the current shift towards zero-emission vehicles, preserving these classics has become essential so that future generations can appreciate what they offered buyers during a golden era in automotive history. Are you prepared to accept that challenge?
What is this unnatural fetish with those ugly spoilers? Back when these were new, I never saw one on a car. I could very well be wrong, but I bet the original build sheet did not have that ugly thing on it. Too bad, spoils what otherwise is a pretty sharp car.
I thought I was the only one who didn’t like those spoilers, glad there is at least two of us.
Count is now 3
I also agree that we never saw them when these cars were new!
make that 4……
And add one more, they wreck the lines of the car and look like a J C Whitney catalog special (remember those).
I remember seeing them on ‘Cudas mostly, but I worked with a stoner kid stocking groceries in 76-77 who had a gold 70 Hemi GTX that had one. Maybe the first I’d seen on this particular body style.
“Spoiler”.
How appropriate.
Good one!
Mr. Clark, let me correct an error that I’ve seen made several times in the description of Road Runners with this interior that have appeared here on Barn Finds. That’s not a black vinyl interior with white accents. Take a close look at the picture with the passenger side door open and you’ll see that the accents on the seats and the door cards aren’t white, but silver. It often does appear white in photos, but this one shows the true silver color better than most if you look closely,
The body man did the owner no favors when he refinished this car. The quality of the paint job looks great in the pictures, but the front inner fenders were never body color, and he’s put the “dust trail” decals on running uphill from the “scoop” to the front fender.
Chrysler always painted the engine compartment body color.
Indeed they did, but that’s not what I was referring to. The inner fenders (wheel wells) were undercoated from the factory, not body color, and should be black.
Reading the comments here gave me a chuckle. I worked at a Dodge dealership in 1970 in soCal. The whole front line was filled with these Roadrunners in every color imageable . They all had a 383 and a 4 speed and if I remember correctly they sold for $2200 bucks. How this car got here with an Auto is amazing.. This was at a time when I had a new SS396 Chevelle. I laughed back then, but not laughing now.
The first road runner I owned was identical to this one . Difference with mine was it was a bench seat pistol grip 4spd air grabber car. Paid 650 for it from my neighbor who bought it right of the showroom floor. Only rust was lip on the trunk lid. The silver stripes in the seats are correct. Gtx may have come with the spoilers road runners did not. My 2nd 69 road runner also bench seat air grabber 4spd car not pistol grip the first yr for them was 70. 3rd rr was a drop top bucket console 4spd pistol grip air grabber car. Wish I knew then what is crazy money for them now! Oh well. Almost done with my 68 big block gts dart. Glwts peace. Ps sorry so long!
Worked for Chrysler Plymouth dealer back in 69&70 we had a row out front of these cars. I do remember we had a couple with Torqureflites equipped ones in the bunch.When we got our first Superbirds, we had people stopping in the middle of the road to look at them.LOL, and don’t remember any of our cars having a spoiler, looks like could have been J.C
Whitney special just like already been suggested.
BTW my 70 coupe was my favorite. Maybe another one some day.
Oh yeah I ordered myself a Barracuda not a Cuda, bench seat, no frills car, maybe ticked box for Hemi, and 4 spd., 8 3/4 rear end, with 4:10 gears.When it came in had 13 inch wheels and tires, on it. Well needless to say we took it out to back lot to see how fast could melt them, boys will be boys.About a 100 feet then boom LOL Great times.
Let’s all agree to disagree. Yes the go wing was an option. Is it my favorite piece on the car “no” is this car fresh and clean??? Yes is it perfect no.
But 55 years later and some one brought it to this point I love it. Spoiler or no spoiler, inner fenders body color or not. Id drive the heck out of it.
Monroe GA, same as the trashed TA. Hmmmmmmmmm